gpu fan playing up, what to do?

[tuzz]

the fan on my brother's GF4 ti4200 is playing up... its making an ugly grinding noise. this started about 3-4 months after we got it ... i would've thought that on the higher-end cards the card manufacturers would put better-quality fans on, not the case apparently. the funny thing is, if i put pressure on some parts of the heatsink, the noise goes away, then when i take my hand off the noise comes back.

so what can i do? i was thinking of just ripping it out and putting in a new one, but i can't find any in the shops, and prefer not to go online. can i use grease or some other lubricant to lubricate it? how would i do this?

 

[boyRacer]

maybe a wire is hitting the blade? small fans acting up like that is quite normal... especially northbridge fans...

 

[BG4533]

First, make sure there is no dust on the fan. Most video card fans are build into some sort of enclosure, so you will not be able to lubricate them. If you can see a sticker on it or cap that leads to the bearings you can lube it with 3 in 1 oil or something equivalent. Usually by the time fans start making noise the bearings are already shot, but oiling them might still help a bit. If the card is under warranty the manufacturer will probably be willing to just send you a new fan. Otherwise, look into passive coolers.

 

[pelikan]

Or mount a 60mm or 80mm fan under it.

 

[jar5tyle]

My old GF4 Ti 4200 did the same thing... tried lubing it, but it was just shot

Originally posted by: pelikan
Or mount a 60mm or 80mm fan under it.

And that's exactly what I did lol

hung from dental floss, pure ghetto

 

[beatle]

My Ti4200 still has a working fan and I went the 80mm fan route anyway. I am finally rid of the last whiny thing in my computer.

 

[wetcat007]

Originally posted by: pelikan
Or mount a 60mm or 80mm fan under it.

I did that with a 80mm fan, but removed the gpu fan as well, but of course left the heatsink, worked great!!!

 

[0roo0roo]

buy zalman card cooler fan that hovers over pci slots. blows down and is 92mm. simple solution. or make your own with a bent fanbracket and some glue or cut a hole in side of case and mount side fan, most effective. weenie gpu fans suck.

 

[saber800]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
buy zalman card cooler fan that hovers over pci slots. blows down and is 92mm. simple solution. or make your own with a bent fanbracket and some glue or cut a hole in side of case and mount side fan, most effective. weenie gpu fans suck.

Had the same problem. I took off the fan and motor (leaving the heatsink on) and installed a Zalman FB123 fan bracket with the 92mm fan blowing over the card. Works like a charm and much quieter!